Orientation of Last Layer (OLL)

First of the two last-layer steps, OLL corrects the orientarion of all last layer pieces in one step so that all U-stickers have the U-color. Permutation is not preserved.

The images represent the last layer, with a gray square or a black side bar indicating U-stickers. Each algorithm applies with this layer as U; click on any algorithm to view it on an applet. Most of these algorithms have been taken from or are based on those by other cubers. Try other lists to find your favorite.

Recognition

The placement of the correctly oriented last-layer pieces are easy to see, so recognition depends on being able to quickly tell between different patterns with the same top view. It helps to practice recognizing each pattern from the top and two adjacent sides.

Learning OLL

OLL has the lowest speed increase per case learned of all steps of the Fridrich method; a 25-second cuber may only gain 2 seconds by replacing an efficient two-step OLL by full OLL (47 additional algorithms). Although any serious CFOP user should learn eventually learn full OLL, it should be noted that working on better F2L look-ahead is a more efficient way to get faster.

The algorithms are organized by similarity to aid memorization. See the printable page for the original order.

2-Step OLL

Before you even begin considering full Fridrich, you should know 2-look OLL. These account for 10 out of the 57 cases.

The fingertrick here is called the Air Jeff, after my friend Jeff Black. Hold the R layer with all five fingers, four on top and the thumb on bottom. This grip never changes. Do R, double trigger U2' with the left index finger, R2', left trigger U', etc. The key is to alternate the direction of R2.

The 6-Move T Group

Many OLL algorithms can be grouped by similarity. You already know 45 and 44 from 2-step OLL; they are replicated here for reference. This group contains the various algorithms made by combining their mirrors and inverses.

Remove-(Play)-Reinsert

Consider how the Sune (RUR'URU2'R') affects the FR F2L pair: RUR' removes the pair to the last layer and URU2'R' reinserts it differently, so that overall only the last layer is affected. A similar analysis applies to OLL 1 (RU2'R2'FRF'-U2'R'FRF'): RU2'R' removes the FR pair; R'FRF'U2' plays only with last layer pieces; and R'FRF' reinserts the pair. Combining different ways to remove, play, and reinsert an F2L pair gives rise to a number of good OLL algorithms, and this analysis makes them easier to memorize.

The Connie OLL. Starting with the RH as if after R2', R2UR'B'RU'-R2'URBR with RH ring finger B' and 180 regrip at the dash. Also several ways to do this without regrip (all using an index push), but not as nice as in 29.

That's 11 more algorithms, bringing the total to 38 out of 57. This is where things start to get tough.

The Rest

Although these algorithms don't fit exactly into the "move around one corner-edge pair" paradigm, many can still be analyzed in a similar way by splitting into recognizable fragments. Some of the last few are especially tricky.